Cranberry

Cranberry intolerance may stem from benzoates, acidity, or fructose. Avoid them temporarily, try gut-supportive supplements, and explore alternatives like blueberries or strawberries for a balanced diet.

🍒 What are Cranberries?

Cranberries are small, tart, red berries commonly used in juices, sauces, and dried snacks. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and proanthocyanidins, which are known for supporting urinary tract health.

🤔 Why do I have an intolerance to Cranberries?

Intolerance to cranberries may result from:

Benzoates: Naturally occurring preservatives in cranberries that can trigger sensitivities.
Acidity: High acid content may irritate sensitive digestive systems.
Fructose: Natural sugars in cranberries may cause discomfort for those with fructose malabsorption.

🛠️ What can I do about it?

Avoid cranberries and cranberry-based products for 8 weeks.
Gradually reintroduce them to test tolerance after elimination.
Monitor symptoms during and after reintroduction to track changes.

💊 Supplements for Intolerance to Cranberries

Consider:

Digestive Enzymes: Help process fructose and acids.
Probiotics: Enhance gut health and resilience.
Quercetin: May reduce inflammation related to benzoate sensitivity.

🌟 Why Might I Have an Intolerance to Cranberries but Not Other Berries?

Key differences include:

High Benzoate Levels: Cranberries naturally have more benzoates than fruits like strawberries.
Greater Acidity: Cranberries are more tart compared to sweeter berries like blueberries.
Lower Sugar Content: Cranberries are less sweet but more acidic, which may irritate digestion.

🍽️ Popular Uses for Cranberries

Cranberry sauce
Cranberry juice
Dried cranberries

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

Blueberries
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blackberries